RUMOR OF THE WEEK: If the New York Knicks don’t advance beyond the first round of the playoffs, I’m hearing they’ll make a major — repeat, major — push to lure legendary coach Phil Jackson out of retirement.

With money being no object, the scuttlebutt is the Knicks brass may offer the “Zen Master” a four-year, $50 million deal.

Obviously nothing new here from what I’ve been hearing. Sources continue to tell me they are convinced a deal will happen with Phil barring a major run. And this isn’t a knock on Woodson this is what it is. Phil has not publicly said he doesn’t want the job. I’m speculating but the Grunwald announcement is a shrewd PR move keeping the distraction away from the team and its focus.